Novak Djokovic blows kiss to Nick Kyrgios after winning point against Fritz
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka takes on Qinwen Zheng in the Australian Open women’s singles final as the Belarusian targets back-to-back titles in Melbourne. A year on from beating Elena Rybakina and claiming her first grand slam, Sabalenka stands on the brink of a second major crown and is the huge favourite against the first-time finalist Zheng, the 12th seed.
Sabalenka continued her impressive Australian Open defence as she passed her toughest test of the tournament so far against Coco Gauff in the semi-finals, gaining revenge for September’s US Open final defeat. The World No 2 is yet to drop a set this tournament and has been in dominant form behind her powerful serve and forehand in racing through the draw.
Zheng defeated Ukrainian qualifier Dayana Yastremska 6-4 6-4 in the semi-finals and the Chinese player is looking to replicate childhood idol and former Australian Open champion Li Na with victory in Melbourne – 10 years on from Na’s breakthrough triumph as the first Chinese player to win a major.
Follow live scores, updates and results from the Australian Open women’s final below:
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
Sabalenka dominates the opening point on the forehand and Zheng goes long twice in a row to hand three set points to Sabalenka.
But that’s some response from Zheng! Two aces and a forehand winner to get back to deuce.
Sabalenka then nets on the backhand return: but Zheng makes a double fault on advantage.
Zheng finds a third ace of the game and then produces the first serve out wide to claim an impressive hold!
Sabalenka will serve for the set but there are signs of encouragement for Zheng.
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 09:15
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
Another ruthless hold from Sabalenka: easing clear after Zheng got to 15-15. Apart from that second service game where Zheng got to 0-40, she hasn’t had a look. Sabalenka’s forehand is finding its marks.
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 09:10
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
Sabalenka senses an opportunity as she attacks the Zheng serve and gets to 15-15. But Zheng steadies and continues to land her first serve in play. She holds and that counts as a good test passed.
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 09:07
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
Sabalenka replies with her own love hold. Zheng is showing signs of settling but breaking Sabalenka will be tough if the defending champion continues serving like this.
(REUTERS)
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 09:03
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
Excellent serving from Zheng and the Chinese player gets on the board with behind a couple of aces!
Love hold behind four first-serves in a row.
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 09:01
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
Zheng finds an excellent passing shot past Sabalenka after she was unable to put away the volley into the net before Sabalanka fires wide on the forehand down the line.
Another miss for Sabalenka! This time on the backhand. Three points for Zheng to break straight back.
Sabalenka saves all three! Zheng is first unable to respond to Sabalenka’s hitting and then Sabalenka powers a backhand winner to get to deuce.
Too good from Sabalenka. Four points in a row and she pushes Zheng right back behind the baseline with her forehand strike.
Zheng nets again and Sabalenka holds from 0-40 down with five points in a row.
(REUTERS)
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 08:56
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
*Sabalenka 2-0 Zheng – Sabalenka breaks!
Zheng misfires twice after deep forehand blows from Sabalenka, as the defending champion gets to 15-30.
Zheng then nets on the backhand and it’s an early break point opportunity for Sabalenka.
Sabalenka crushes the backhand on the Zheng second serve and the 12th seed fires wide under the pressure.
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 08:51
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
An ominous start from Sabalenka. The defending champion lands three powerful serves in a row, the third an ace, to get to 40-0. Zheng goes long in the first rally.
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 08:48
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
Sabalenka will serve to get us started. Her serve has been so strong all tournament.
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 08:46
Australian Open LIVE: Aryna Sabalenka vs Qinwen Zheng
Here come the players! Qinwen Zheng leads Aryna Sabalenka out onto the Rod Laver Arena.
This should be a cracker: will it be a first grand slam title for Zheng or back-to-back for Sabalenka?
(REUTERS)
(REUTERS)
Jamie Braidwood27 January 2024 08:41